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Fundraising

Assistance League wishes to thank and recognize the following government entities, private foundations, and companies, along with many private individuals, that supported Operation School Bell during the 2008-2009 school year:

• The County of Riverside
• The City of Hemet
• The Community Foundation serving Riverside
  and San Bernardino counties
• The Klein Family Foundation
• The Hemet Hospital Foundation
• The Bank of Hemet
• Wal-Mart
• Fresh and Easy

The support Assistance League received from these generous benefactors helps fund Operation School Bell, our major philanthropic project. Thank you from all our members, who are the helping hands and caring hearts of our volunteer organization.

 

Expansion

In 2003 Assistance League had the opportunity to purchase the land directly next door to our current location on Girard Street in Hemet. It's one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities where we were bursting at the seams with our Thrift Shop and Operation School Bell taking up every inch in our current facility. After much discussion, members agreed that purchasing the property was the right thing to do, if the price was affordable. The owners of the property knew Assistance League was interested in purchasing the two city lots for expansion to Operation School Bell and gave us first bid. The business transaction was a true win/win for all parties. In 2004 escrow closed on the land and that's when the next phase began … expansion … fundraising … dreams …

The need for expansion is due to several factors. First, the valley has experienced explosive growth in Hemet and the surrounding community. We've outgrown our present space, which houses administrative offices, meeting rooms, the Thrift Shop, and the Operation School Bell reception area, dressing rooms, and showroom. We've proposed adding 4000 square feet, enabling us to serve more children comfortably. The new addition would free up space in the existing facility to expand the Thrift Shop. Approximately one-third of our revenue comes from Thrift Shop sales. Other operating funds are derived from social functions, grants, and contributions.

$600,000 is needed to achieve this goal. Fundraising efforts since 2006 are underway, with plans to begin construction as soon as this goal is reached. We are driven by our passion, resolve and a clearly directed vision to enrich the lives of children in our community. Our members are 100% committed to the expansion program. Watch us as we head forward - working together to build a brighter future for children in our valley.

If you would like to contribute to our expansion program, please contact us. We want to join hands with you … thank you.

Las Madrinas Auxiliary Contribution to Assistance League

Barbara Carrington (left), Chair of the Las Madrinas Auxiliary, proudly presents a check to Assistance League President Mary Ellen Hudson (right), for $3,500 collected in the annual "Sock It To Me" fundraiser for Operation School Bell. Requests for donations were mailed earlier this year to residents in the valley who continue, year after year, to support Operation School Bell.

Las Madrinas members wish to thank everyone in the community who donated this year. Assistance League values the community’s support for Operation School Bell! Anyone interested in learning more about Las Madrinas Auxiliary, a group of working professionals.

If you are interested in learning more about this group of working professionals, please call Barbara Carrington, Chair, at (951) 925-4799, or Charlotte Jones, past Chair, at (951) 658-6279.